Medi-Cal (Medicaid) - Supplemental Security Income
Medi-Cal (Medicaid) - Supplemental Security Income
Medi-Cal (Medicaid) provides basic medical coverage for individuals who meet certain income and/or disability criteria. There are many different categories of Medi-Cal, and each one treats earnings and resources differently.
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What is it?
Medi-Cal (Medicaid) provides basic medical coverage for individuals who meet certain income and/or disability criteria. There are many different categories of Medi-Cal, and each one treats earnings and resources differently.
How does it work?
- Supplemental Security Income-Linked Medi-Cal
When you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you automatically receive free SSI-linked Medi-Cal. As long as you continue to be eligible for your SSI check, you will continue in this category of Medi-Cal. - Medi-Cal 1619(b)
When your SSI check reduces to zero due to work and earnings, you can continue to receive for free SSI-linked Medi-Cal until your earnings reach an annual threshold. The threshold is a bit higher for individuals who receive SSI due to Social Security’s definition of blindness. There are eligibility criteria for this type of Medi-Cal, including resource limits. 2025 Threshold amount- $64,517 (Blind- $66,542). - Medi-Cal Working Disabled Program (250% WDP)
This is a unique program that allows Californians with disabilities to earn a lot and access Medi-Cal for an affordable monthly premium, and it even has asset building features! The annual earnings threshold for this program also changes each year. 2025 Threshold amount - $73,920.
Why is it important?
There are Medi-Cal programs that ensure you can keep your coverage long-term while you’re working! You can even use Medi-Cal with employer-sponsored health insurance and with Medicare. If you rely on In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), any of the Medi-Cal programs above can help to ensure you continue to have access to those necessary services.
Need Help with this Information?
DRC WIPA Intake phone number: 888-768-7058
Ticket to Work Helpline: 866-968-7842
This factsheet is funded through a Social Security cooperative agreement. Although Social Security reviewed this document for accuracy, it does not constitute an official Social Security communication. We publish this factsheet at U.S. taxpayer expense.